Can denitrification explain coastal wetland loss: A review of case studies in the Mississippi Delta and New England

摘要: Abstract There has been considerable discussion over the past several years about potential negative effects of nutrient loading on coastal wetland stability. In particular, there have concerns that high nitrate concentrations can fuel denitrification lead to soil organic matter loss and deterioration. Here we review these issues for three case studies where elevated levels dissolved inorganic nitrogen, especially nitrate, coincident with These include Breton Sound estuary receives diverted Mississippi River water at Caernarvon LA, a freshwater assimilation treated municipal effluent from wastewater treatment plant Hammond, tidal creek in Plum Island northeastern Massachusetts was introduced each flood tide during growing season nearly ten years. We physical setting, ecology biogeochemistry sites use stoichiometric calculations estimate how much decomposition could be accounted by denitrification. Results show rates not caused observed marsh deterioration two LA marshes. Denitrification may play significant role MA site, however due unique hydrology this induced very nitrogen concert site more